Capital flow dynamics in emerging Asia

Foreign capital inflows to Asian economies have markedly increased in the last decades with the rapid development of the emerging markets (EM) asset class and growth of Asian countries. Finding the right policy approach to balance the benefits and risks of capital flows is an issue that is particularly high on Asian policymakers’ agendas. On the one hand, Asia is gradually advancing towards greater capital mobility. On the other hand, recent disruptions to capital flows in Asia (i.e., COVID-19, monetary policy cycles, geopolitical tensions) have served as reminders of the suddenness of global shocks. This paper leverages recent OECD data and analytical advances to provide a fresh look at the situation of Asian capital flows. It analyses the structural changes in Asia capital flows, their drivers and resilience to shocks. It also explores new challenges ahead: the climate transition and potential for geoeconomic fragmentation.